Las Palomas WMA

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Phone: (956) 498-4791
Address:
154B Lakeview Drive
Weslaco, TX 78596

Contact: Jimmy Stout

Dates Open:

Open year round, but closed for Special Permit hunts.

Description

Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area (WMA) consists of 18 management units throughout the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron and Willacy counties. These lands were acquired for the purposes of conserving white-winged dove nesting habitat. Purchase of the units started in 1958 and continue to this day. Funding for the purchase of these units was primarily funded by white-winged dove stamp dollars. The Las Palomas WMA manages Tamaulipan thorn forest, grasslands, farmland and wetlands for wildlife. Initially properties were acquired for white-winged dove nesting habitat. Efforts were then focused on conservation and re-establishment of Tamaulipan thornscrub through re-vegetation, in areas where it was lacking up through 2011. Efforts have now shifted focus to combating non-native and invasive grasses through mechanical and chemical treatments yearly.

There are two methods for public hunting at Las Palomas WMA. Annual Public Hunting Permit holders can access 9 units (Taormina, Baird, Chapote, Anacua, Ebony, Tucker, Carricitos, Longoria and Arroyo Colorado) from September through February allowing them to hunt chachalaca, quail, rabbit, white-winged dove, mourning dove and white-tipped dove. We are the only WMA complex in Texas which offers chachalaca hunts. The other method is through our Drawn Hunts. We offer 7 white-tailed deer hunts at the Arroyo Colorado Unit, 5 being youth only, 1 adult archery and 1 adult rifle. We also offer 2 javelina hunts at the Longoria Unit.

In addition to hunting and conservation efforts, Las Palomas WMA fosters research opportunities for universities, non-profit organizations and other governmental agencies. Current and past research included songbird, raptor and hummingbird monitoring and banding, snake fungal disease investigations, black-spotted newt occupancy, ocelot habitat use, javelina spatial ecology study, tick, mosquito and kissing bug research and species of greatest conservation need surveys.

Terrain & ADA Access

All-terrain vehicles (ORVs) are not permitted on the WMA, except for use by hunters with mobility disabilities or a person directly assisting hunters with mobility disabilities. Proof of mobility disability in the form of a disabled parking placard or disabled vehicle license plate is required. ATV, OHV or ORV use is limited to designated roads or trails only. ATV users must be compliant with the safety requirements for ATV use as set by the Texas Department of Public Safety (ATV only). For more details, call (956) 532-3009.